Top-Tier Home Insurance
Get Competitively Rated Home Insurance
Your property was hard-earned, and having home insurance is essential to protecting it against environmental risks, liabilities, and theft. Home insurance is not required by federal nor state law, which is different from auto insurance (in most states). By the same token, if you have a mortgage, a lender will generally require you to carry at least the most basic version.
Even if it isn’t mandatory or you’re mortgage-free, having home insurance is always a good idea. For a small price, it can spell huge protection—protection that can mean the difference between having to rebuild from level 0 and having the finances you need to restore your home and its contents as they were.
AHI Group helps you find excellent coverage for home insurance. As a premier insurance company licensed in Nebraska, Texas, and other states, we are here to guide you in making the most informed decision possible about your insurance coverage. We’ll answer any questions you have, help review your coverage before renewal, and suggest cost-saving strategies. We do it all. All we require from you is that you give us a call and get a free home insurance quote.
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Home insurance is not a requirement in any state, and as such, there’s no real “standard” for what is covered and what isn’t. Most lenders will require at least basic home insurance coverage to protect your property and its infrastructure against common perils like fire, water damage (except from flooding), theft, and vandalism, but most homeowners will opt for comprehensive or broad coverage.
Most home insurers will offer endorsements on top of their insurance plans, which may cover additional items not typically included in a standard policy. This can include things like sewer backup, overland water damage, and more.
Dwelling
A standard policy will cover your home’s infrastructure. It may include coverage for repairs or rebuild costs due to severe weather, falling trees, ice dams, fire, and similar perils. Depending on your insurer and the coverage you choose, you may also have coverage for events like burst pipes, theft and vandalism, and certain causes of water damage.
Loss of Use
If you are unable to reside in your property due to a covered loss while repairs are being completed, then additional living expenses (also referred to as “loss of use”) can help to cover any necessary living expenses up until a set limit. This can include costs for a hotel stay, childcare, food, and so on.
Liability
Personal liability insurance defends your assets in the event you or a family member should end up liable for someone else's injuries or damage to their property. In some instances, you can purchase extended coverage for libel, slander, and additional lawsuits. You may also choose to increase your liability limits beyond the standard $500,000 to $1 million, $2 million, etc.
Personal Property
Personal property coverage can cover the cost of repairs or replacement for any of your assets contained within or on your property, such as electronics, tools, furniture, clothes, and other belongings, if they end up being destroyed in a covered loss. Expensive items may need to be scheduled separately (i.e., insured through the add-on of an insurance rider) including things like art, collectibles, and jewelry.
What Does Home Insurance Cost?
Different factors will influence your home insurance rates. Each state has different rating factors, and each insurer will weigh factors differently. Here are some common rating variables:
- Age and condition, especially the age of the home’s plumbing and wiring
- How the home was constructed and construction materials
- The amount of deductible
- The claims history you’ve had and insurance history
- Credit history, although not all states allow credit checks
Similar to auto insurance, one of the largest variables which impacts the cost of home insurance rates is where you live. Some states will also use ZIP code as a factor, since some areas might see higher property loss rates or crime rates than others. Here’s the rough average cost of home insurance coverage for a few of our servicing states on a $300k home:
- Arkansas: $4,201
- Arizona: $2,224
- California: $1,380
- Illinois: $2,752
- Kansas: $4,939
- Michigan: $2,607
- Nebraska: $4,893
- North Carolina: $3,031
- Oklahoma: $5,317
Saving on Home Insurance
If you own a home, having insurance is crucial. Your home cost a lot to buy; it only makes sense that it’d cost a lot to replace. In order to save you some stress, AHI has a few approaches you can use to cut down on your insurance without needing to sacrifice your protection.
Work with an agent
Purchasing home insurance solo is always an option, but it’s not necessarily the best option. Agents have insurance expertise not possessed by your traditional policyholder and can recommend excellent ways to save, the best insurers for your need, and can guarantee you the best rate. Plus, they can serve as your continued advisors.
Maximize on discounts
Depending on your home and your insurer, you may be eligible for certain discounts, many of which can save you, big, on your home insurance. Discounts may include bundling discounts, club and member discounts, retiree discounts, burglar and monitoring alarm discounts, and more. An agent can discuss with you what discounts you may be eligible for and help you pick the best insurer to match you with the right option.
Raise your deductible
Although not always the best decision, depending on how much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket for your insurance, raising your deductible can save you on your insurance coverage. Doing so lowers the risk for your insurer, so they may discount your insurance slightly to reflect the new deductible.
Quick: Home Insurance FAQs
How does making claims impact future premiums?
Making claims can potentially increase premiums at renewal. In some cases, frequent claims might also lead to non-renewal or difficulty finding affordable coverage.
What's the importance of creating a home inventory?
A home inventory is crucial to document your belongings and their value in case of theft, damage, or loss. It facilitates the claims process and ensures you're adequately covered.
What happens if someone is injured on my property?
Home insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects you if someone is injured on your property. It can cover medical bills, legal fees, and damages if you're found responsible for the injury.
Why do I need to create a home inventory?
A home inventory is crucial to documenting your belongings and their value in case of theft, damage, or loss. It facilitates the claims process and ensures you're adequately covered.
Can I make changes to my home and still be covered by insurance?
Yes, but significant changes or renovations should be communicated to your insurer. Not informing them could affect your coverage. Renovations might also increase the replacement cost of your home, necessitating an adjustment in your policy.
Connect with an AHI Home Insurance Agent
If you’re in the process of buying your first home, or looking for a policy for your next move, or even just considering a switch of insurers to save more money, then you’ve come to the right place. Shopping for home insurance is an overwhelming and oftentimes time-consuming process. AHI is a premier insurance company specializing in home insurance and other types of home insurance that can get you the best rate without compromising great coverage.
No matter what stage of home ownership you’re in, we’re here to help. Give us a call if you would like to know more about what we can do for you and how we can provide you with the best coverage possible.
